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NARRATIVE 



MILITARY LIFE 



MAJOR THOMPSON MAXWELL 



OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



1757— 1820. 



^l c^'bon J- 



Reprinted from N. England Historical and Genealogical Register for Oct., 1891. 



A REMARKABLE MILITARY LIFE. 

Commnnicated by William Willder Wheildon, Esq., of Concord, Mass. 

Major Thompson Maxwell was born in Bedford, Mass., and 
may almost be said to have passed his life on the field of battle, 
" born and brought up as a soldier. " Like the memorable George 
Washington, he entered military service when he was a boy. VV^ash- 
ington was born in 1732, and Maxwell in 1742, and both entered 
the service of the country when about fourteen or fifteen years of 
age ; both were in the French and Indian wars and the war of the 
American Revolution. Maxwell enlisted in a company of Rangers 
in 1757, and served in the various campaigns until 1763 ; was in the 
Revolutionary war from 1775 to 1779 ; was in the Shays Rebellion 
in 1787 ; and also served in the second war with England, in 1812, 
and remained in the army until 1819, latterly as barrack master at 
Detroit. He was also in civil life, a member of the Massachusetts 
Convention which framed the State Constitution in 1780, and was a 
representative in the Legislature from the town of Buckland, after- 
wards residing in Ohio. He visited Massachusetts in 1821, and 
was still living in 1833, near Detroit, 90 years of age. The fol- 
lowing narrative was dictated to, and written by Mr. Benjamin 
Gleason in 1820-21. 

Major Thompson Maxwell. 

His father's name was Hugh Maxwell, born in or near Belfast, Ireland, 
1699, and died in Massachusetts, March 19, 1759, by a fall from his horse, 
aged 60 years. His mother was born in 1693, and died in 1769, six years 
older, and lived ten years longer than his father. 

There were five sons and two daughters, viz. William, Margaret, Sarah, 
Hugh, James (born at Blystic), Benjamin (born at Woburn), and Thompson 
(horn at Bedford, Mass.). Thompson M., the youngest son, born (the 50th 
year of his mother) Sept 11, 0. S., or 22, N. S., 1742, and lived at home 
with his parents till the spring of 1757. 

In May or June, 1757, Capt. Nehemiah Lovell, of Dunstable, raised a com- 
pany of Rangers, for the protection of the frontiers against the French and In- 
dians. They were called the Provisional Rangers, whole number 700, under 
Gen. Amherst, at Lake Champlain. Active and patriotic, Thompson Maxwell 
enlisted, and (using his own words) our march was to Pennycook (now 
Concord, N. H.), Pigwacket Pond (now Lovells), in Fryeburg, Me. 
Scoured the woods to Connecticut River, near to White River, Vt. We 
there recounoitered to No. 4 (now Charlestown, N. H.), which three days 
before was burned, subsisting on wild game, until we reached No. 4, for 






nine days. Thence to Hinsdale, Brattleboro', etc., including one day's 
march above No. 4 to Black River, from White River to Connecticut River, 
and at No. 4 again. Twenty or twenl^v-five of us finally return via Wal- 
pole, Keene and Swanzy, to Wincheste.-, Fitchburg, Groton, etc., home. 

1758. In April, enlist in Capt. Lovell's company for eight months. 
Rendezvous at Fort Edward. Thence to Deerfield ; up Peerfield River to 
Rice's Fort, in Charlestown ; over the mountains to Adams and,. Williams- 
town, to Fort Hawks. Major Hawks and his whole party prison6t^.- Get 
provisions ; up the Hoosac River to within ten miles of Bennington ; cross 
to Troy, to Half Moon Fort (now Waterford), on Mohawk River. To 
Fort Edward again. Gen. Abercrombie in command (strict and severe), 
with 4000 British, 3000 Provincials and 700 Rangers, besides Frazer's 
Scotch Regiments, with their kilts, plaids, etc. We reconnoitre from Fort 
Edward to Fort George, and E. of lake George to the Bluffs, 15 miles, 
when the Indians attack the first day in a body ; second day scatteringly 
and the third day are dispersed. We then arrive at Fort Ann. While 
Major Rogers's party are shooting at a mark, after breakfast. Major Putnam 
with his battalion moves for Fort Edward. At two miles advance we are 
ambushed, and fight hard for six hours, from 10 till 4 o'clock. The brave 
Major P. made prisoner and suffering greatly after his capture. Fifty-eight 
killed, 84 wounded in the conflict. The firing is heard at Fort Edward. In 
the evening recruits came with carts to bear off the dead, and the wounded 
borne on the back or biers to the fort. We remained ten days at Fort 
Edward, and the army then moves to Fort George. In August, we cross 
Lake George to Sabbath Day Point. Sunday had an action ; the boats|re- 
turned to Fort George ; the army advance to Ticonderoga. Lord Howe 
and Gen. Abercrombie order a reconnoitre along the Indian trails. A ser- 
geant, a corporal, and three or four men of our scouting party, arranged six 
or eight rods apart, directed by occasional whistling, move cautiously through 
the woods; but the Indians watchfully waylay, and uuseeu, fire upon us, 
killing the corporal and file-leader, and we are compelled to retreat. 
Hurrying over a hill, I am met abruptly by two Indians, who give chase 
for a mile, when at a breathing pause, with deliberate aim, I kill one and 
leave the other logg'd; then meeting the sergeant, he swims the outlet with 
me holding on by his shoulders, and then arrive safe at the fort. Septem- 
ber, the attack : Tyconderoga stormed ; loss 1500. October at Fort Edward ; 
December home. 

1759. Enlist eight months with Capt. Samuel Brewer of Waltham. 
May, to Fort Edward. June, on a scout. In an action at Roger's Rock 
(40" feet high, W. of Lake George), we lose thirty men. Retreat to Fort 
George, and have a hard fight at landing. To Tyconderoga, and thence to 
Crown Point. Find both evacuated. Engage in building boats, etc. 
December, to St. Francis, Rogers commanding. Lose all our blankets, 
etc. Massacre and burning. Surprisals frequent by the enemy. Seventy 
of us under Gen. Stark to No. 4. Realize great suffering; thirty-seven 
die, the rest surviving various hardships. Get safe at home at last. 

1760. Enlist with Capt. Barnes of Chelmsford. May, with Capt. 
Brewer at Crown Point. Rangers scouting. Often engaged in skir- 
mishing, etc. September, the army take boats and pass to Isle au Noir. 
Here a seige of eleven days and fighting. To Chamblie an action ; to St. 
Johns. 20th of October, to Montreal. Gen. Murray from Quebec, Gen. 
Amherst (1758 at Louisburg) from the Lakes, and Gen. Howlaiid from 
the south, are now with us. Colors flying, drums beating, drills and camp 



display in martial splendor. Montreal surrenders. October, Canada ceded 
to tlie English. 1000 men remain; one regiment of 800 men winter 20 
miles above Montreal. We go to Detroit; the ice runs late, and we con- 
tend with many hardships and have soldiers fare. 

1761. September, arrive at Detroit. The last of October, 250 of us go 
to Mackinaw, ai^d make winter quarters, to protect the N. W. company's 
goods. Sa engaged, the season in garrison duties until the spring. 
. 17C>2r- In May, crossed Lake Superior to the N. West; Grand Portage. 
In August, to Mackinaw. In September, to Detroit, variously engaged, 
hither and thither during the year. 

1763. In the spring go to Chicago and return, reconnoiteriug by land, etc. 
In the summer, Pontiac and 3000 Indians make a dreadful massacre at 
Mackinaw, by a stratagem of playing ball, — thrown in and out the garri- 
son, — until they get free and familiar access to the fort; allaying all sus- 
picion and pretending only amusement and good faith; then raising the 
war-whoop, they make a general rush! 200 British atid their families all 
slaughtered ! An awful calamity, and unknown abroad until after the 
arrival and retreat of Pontiac and his Indian warriors; in August, at 
Deti'oit. At this time there was in the Detroit garrison about 800 British 
and 170 Rangers. Councils were held. A delay of ten days making 
preparations; an Indian woman favored in the traffic of elk skins and moc- 
casins, betrayed Pontiac's secret designs of another massacre; 36 warriors 
were admitted to the garrison, under a strong guard, for a talk, and their 
treachery exposed, by throwing aside their blankets, each one concealing a 
loaded shot gun. They were urged to peace, and required to depart forth- 
with; but Pontiac revengeful, the whooping and lighting continued for two 
or three days, so fiercely that the pickets were often on fire. Meanwiiile a 
sloop of war, carrying 16 guns, Capt. Paldiug, with stores (Adaiu Brown 
interpreter), arrives. Slowly moving up river in a calm, the Indians take 
fright at the vessel's cannon and leave Detroit. In a moment of bravado, 
Maj. Gladden and Capt. Deil, with 550 volunteer troops pursued, following 
their boats up to Bloody Bridge, fearless of their warlike appearance, the 
brandishing of their tomahawks, carbines, etc., but the Indians landing, fight 
a desperate battle with us, give us no quarter, and our adventurers are 
repulsed with great shiughter and loss. Of 400 British and 150 Rangers, 
170 British and 70 Rangers only return to garrison. November, the Treaty 
of Peace received. In '59, Maj. Gen. Wolfe and Lieut. Gen. Amherst had 
command of the British and American forces. The attack and conquest 
of Quebec, in September, Gen. Wolfe slain. In '60, the whole province of 
Canada surrendered to Gen. Amherst, and was confirmed to Great Britain 
by the treaty of 1763, British and American forces occupying Tyconderoga, 
Montreal and Quebec, etc. 

In November, 1763, obtained my dismission and went home. Married 
Sybel Wyman, being then 22 years old, and she 27 years old. We lived 
together 38i years. In May, '64, lived at Milford, then at Amherst, N. H., 
farming, teaming, etc., until 1775. Moved to Buckland, Mass., in 1779. 
My chiMren were: Hugh, James (in Ohio), Joshua (in New York), Thomp- 
son (in New York), and Betsey. In 1802, my first wife died. In 1807, 
married the widow of Capt. Little of New Jersey, and she died in 1813, 
leaving one son in Ohio. Residence in Oiiio, Butler County, town of Madi- 
son, called the " lirush Estate." [These notes were taken 12 years since, and 
Major M. has since married again, to a widow of Michigan Territory, and 
been occupied in farming, etc., at his present home somewhere in the 



neighborhood of Detroit; if now (1833) living, he is at the advanced age 
of nearly 91 years.] His narrative continues: 

In 1773, December 16, was in Boston, when the tea was thrown over- 
board. Seventy-three spirited citizen volunteers, in the costume of Indians, 
in defiance of Royal authority, accomplished the daring exploit. John 
Hancock was then a merchant. My team was loaded at his store near 
Faneuil Hall, for Amherst, N. H., and put up to meet in consulta-K^^ii at his 
house at 2 o'clock P.M. The business was soon planned and executedr TM 
patriots triumphed. 1774-5, at Amherst, the country alarmed. Volun- 
teers enrolled, minute-men raised, etc. Arms collected, soldiers kept on 
drill, alarms frequent, all much engaged. 

1775, April 18. Happened at Boston, with my team, and that evening 
to Bedford, at Capt. Wilson's (my brother-in-law), and concluded to stay. 
The team sent home to Amherst, N. H. The Provincial Congress at Con- 
cord [adjourned 15th]. Messrs. Hancock and Sam Adams at Lexington. 
Lieut. Col. Smith and Maj. Pitcairn, with 900 British regulars met the 
alarmed colonists at Lexington, 19th, and then to Concord, destroying stores, 
arms, etc. At the bridge opposed by Capts. Davis, Buttrick, Wilson, etc. 
with about 500 men. The British retreat and are met by Ld Percy's re- 
cruit of 4 or 500 British, with two field pieces at Lexington, the Americans 
following them to Charlestown. This day Capt. Wilson killed. The re- 
port of Americans killed 50, and wounded 70. Of the British 65 killed, 
180 wounded, 25 prisoners, probably much larger number. Our company 
from Amherst, N. H., under Capt. Crosby (my rank Lieut.), arrive, and 
soon 2000 troops are assembled at Cambridge. Gen. Ward commanding. 

June 16. Col. Reed's regiment stationed at Charlestown Neck. P°ut- 
nam. Heath, Prescott, etc., on Bunker Hill. In the evening walk on the 
hill with Capt. Reed. My brother. Col. Hugh Maxwell, engineer, and 
about 1000 men at work. I drive stakes. June 17, engaged in'action, and 
retreat to Winter Hill, Gen. Sullivan of New Hampshire, commanding. 

July 3d. Gen. Washington arrived at Cambridge. The last of August 
went with a select number of volunteers to Hog Island and brought' off 
cattle, sheep, horses, etc. Soon after a Br. sloop of war got aground in 
Mystic River, having 12 guns and a guard of 16 men. A smalf party of 
us made an attack; 10 of them escaped in the boat, and we took 6 prisoners, 
and burned the vessel. Geu. Putnam now commanding fat Winter Hill! 
with about 5000 men. » ^ . j 

1776. March 17. Boston is evacuated bv the British. 20th, we march 
to Boston. 22d, to Mendon. 24th, to Providence, and so on to New 
Haven, and in vessels to New York. April 11, arrive; our number 
4000 troops. April 18, with Gen. Sullivan's brigade of 4000 men, leave 
New York city for Albany. Thence to Lake George, Tyconderoga, Crown 
Pou.t, St. Johns, River Sorel, etc., to Trois Riviere, Gen. Thomas command- 
ing. The last of May, we arrive and have a battle at Trois Riviere, Guy 
Carleton commanding the British. In June, to Montreal, under Col. Reed 
(Gens. Sullivan, Arnold, etc.), to La Chine. To Jesus Isle to capture 
Church's party. To Montreal (in three hours), pass by Arnold and cross 
ferry; on to St. Johns. Capt. Oliver ioins Gen. Sullivan; the number of 
troops about 5000— 2000 active. To Isle au Noire (the small pox pre- 
vailing). I chance in the near transportation and am ordered on to Crown 
Point and thence to Tyconderoga, until November. Gen. Sullivan's 
brigade now commanded by Gen. Gates, and Col. Reed's regiment, ordered 
to the south to join Gen. Washington, west of Delaware River. In Novem- 



ber, we move to Albany; thence to Esopns (60 m.) to Delaware River, 
and in Pennsylvania, via Bethlehem. 

December 14th, arrive and join Gen. Washington at Newtown, opposite 
Trenton, N. J., 30 miles from Philadelphia. Here until Christmas. 
December 26, to Trenton. An action; 1500 Amei'icans take over 1100 
Hessians and recross to Newtown. The prisoners sent to Philadelphia, Dec* 
31, to Xrtriiton. 

j77'7, January 1, south side of the creek, breaking ground under CoL 
Nixon, with 400 men. New Years day at dark, Washington's artillery 
drives Cornwallis back from the bridge, fires during the night. 2d, to 
Princeton — the action — 3000 Americans 2500 British. The American 
army in two divisions. Gen. W. commanding 1500, and Gen. Green 1500 
men. Gen Washington and 1500 men to Brunswick, thence to Morris- 
town ; in winter quarters. Last of January 90 waggons of the British 
taken. Foraging, &c. The last of February at Raritan River; a fight 
with the British foragers — a drawn battle. The last of March, in Col. 
Reed's brigade to New York. Thence to Tyconderoga and join Gen. St. 
Clair in June. In July, Gen. Burgoyne drives the Americans to New 
York State. A battle with the British rear guard at Hubbardstown. The 
action at Saratoga and Berais Heights: Gates against Burgoyne — sup- 
posed more than 20,000 troops engaged, that is 10,000 Americans against 
10,000 English. The Americans final triumphant victory! 

August 16, go to Bennington, Vt., Col. Baum commanding the British 
regulars ; the action and their defeat. Gen. Stark took upward of 500 
Hessians; more than 200 killed. I am now with 36 men acting as Lieu- 
tenant to Gates. Sept. 19, the British attempted to turn our left wing, ia 
order to jjass to Albany. Reinforcements and a general engagement — one 
piece of artillery three times taken and retaken. October 7, the action 
this day, the British were conquered. Oct. 17, surrender of Burgoyne. 
Grand military display. Resigned and returned home. 

1778. In the spring engage in another campaign, as Captain of Rangers. 
We march to Saratoga. Gen. Stark commander on the North and Mohawk 
Rivers, entrusted with the defence of the northern frontier at Cherry Valley. 
Col. Willett acting against Sir John Johnson at Albany. Hendrick (a 
friendly Indian) opposing Brandt (a half blood Indian) from Dartmonth 
College — a Colonel and chief of the Mohawks. At Stone Arabia with 600 
Americans, ranging, etc. Our company is thus variously engaged, skir- 
mishing, foraging, pressing the enemy, etc., in a cheerless year's adventures. 
December return home. 

1779. In April to Saratoga; May or June to Cherry Valley to joiu 
Gen. Sullivan. Down the Susquehannah to Tyoga Point, etc. July, 
opposing Butler and Brandt, with the Six Nations at Hogback, Chenang 
Co. etc. At Queen Catherine town ; the old Indian Queen saved. Corn , 
destroyed and an orchard of 1000 trees, at Geneva. August, at Genessee. 
November, the company of Rangers, 50 men, dismissed at Saratoga; resign 
and return home. Move to Buckland, Mass., Hampshire County, and con- 
tinue residence there for twenty years to A.D. 1800. Then go to Ohio, 
Madison County. 

1 780. A member of the Massachusetts Convention to frame a Constitution 
of government — and have been a representative to lioston five or six 
times (luring my rtjsidence at Buckland, before removing to Ohio. 

In 17.S7, as ('aptain in the militia oppose Daniel Shays and the insurgents, 
at Springfield, under Geu. Shepherd, who finally quells the insurrection. 



Our company at South Hadley; Shays at Pelham. Gen. Lincoln with 
500 men from Boston pursues him to Petersham — he escapes to Canada. 

1788. The Federal Constitution ratified. In 1800 to Ohio. 1802, my 
wife died. [At this time Mr. Maxwell was in possession of a good farm, 
many cattle, etc., and in 1807, in the autumn, married a second wife at 
Detroit, who died in February, 1813. He continued his farming and 
military service, and, in 1811, was in the battle of Tippecanoe, G6n.-Ha^rri-^ 
sou commanding the United States troops.] 

April, 1812. Engaged in raising troops. "The Prophet" collecting 
forces. Gen. Hull in command with troops at Dayton, Oliio ; my residence 
thirty miles distant. In May, went to Dayton, as Major, in United States 
service; guide the troops through to Detroit. Col. Miller joins Hull, when 
about 50 miles advanced. Return home one week. July 4, arrive at 
Detroit with Capt. Robertson and others. July 30, at Canard's Bridge. 
Brock and Proctor, the Charlotte sloop-of-war and 700 British troops. To 
oppose the enemy were IMiller 300, Findley 500, Detachments 400, Michigan 
miiitia 400 — say 1500 or 1600 men, with a month's provisions and three 
weeks ammunition. August 9, at Brownstone, Miller, Snelling, Cass, 
McArthur, etc. August 16, Hull surrendered. September, to Cleaveland, 
a prisoner of war, with about 100 of sick and wounded. October, home to 
Ohio. Here a mob, irritated by Hull's pusillanimity, misjudging my 
patriotic efforts, and denouncing all parties concerned in the late disasters 
at Detroit, rally and gather about my habitation, burn my house, destroy 
my property, and, barely clothed, I escape for my life through a coru-field 
by night, from the danger and the ruins. I then go on to Upper Sandusky, 
join Gen. Harrison destined to the Rapids of the Maumee. P'ort Meigs, 
etc., rebuilt; and until the following March, I am uncertain of being 
exchanged. 

1813. February 25,1 return home to Dr. Little's, at Madison, in low 
health. Threatening letters are received, and to avoid danger I journey 
about Ohio to Cincinnati. In March, I visit friends, make settlements and 
am advised to leave the array. I was unjustly accused by Capt. Robinson, 
as a dangerous enemy and a tory, etc., in Hull's surrender. June, to Cleve- 
land with Col. Jessup, and to Buffalo. July, join Miller at Fort George. 
In August, Gen. Wilkinson takes command. October, moved to French 
Mills, to St. Lawrence River, etc., and now, October, 1813, a prisoner of 
war at the advanced age of 71 years. 

1814. March. To Plattsburg; April, at Lacole Mill, opposite Isle au 
Noir, a foraging master, ordered to join Gen. Brown at Erie, and go on tlie 
1st of July. August 25, the battle of Biidgewater, Gen. Brown command- 
ing with Miller, Jessup, Scott, Ripley, etc. 1st Brigade to Erie. Septem- 
ber, I am wounded. The British cannonading; the Americans opposing. 
Gen. Gaines commanding; Gen. Miller commanding 500 men. Sept. 17, 
took the batteries ; the sortie of Erie. Sept. 30, settlements. Oct. 1, 1814, 
foraging. Incidentally falling in with 25 British horsemen on a scout, in 
consequence of some robbery I am taken prisoner at Erie, and carried to 
Fort George, thence to Little York and Kingston, by land ; thence in boats 
to Lachine; thence marched to Montreal, to Trois Riviere and Quebec. 
Nov. 29, in close jail. 

1815. Realize many hardships in my 73d year. Capt. Deman friendly 
to me and the prisoners. March 19, exchanged. Thence in carryalls, etc., 
carried within 25 miles of Plattsburg and join Gen. Brown. In May, to 
Sackett's Harbor; on furlough to New York, Ballstown, etc. In July, 




e eil 528 391 



181 n\^i' ^^/r'^^' Jl^' ^^"'7"^ ^^'^'^ ^^^•'^ '^ith the troops. In the wiuter of 

n^ues iiaoie to-the Rapids— say lu all about 70 miles. 

<S;92o "'"^ • ^^,oJ-^si summers' residence at Detroit, receive Captain's nav 

$240 pension, with the rank of Maior. The natnr. infirnJf^T ^ ^' 

f„.« .. X- . 1 " _ " &"^'^*^iui neait, still m the euiovment of sopial in 

^^tulmnt """"'''''' ""' '"^ °°"^"'"' '^"''- °f ^-°«-- A 'o,:. 

Bolto"' '?;rV- ^"'^ ,^1"?" ""'J ™i' M™1» i-' New York and to 
,1,? ■ ,]*-'•, •'""'""■•y awl February, visiting at Boston and vicinitv 

18S3, January. Maj, Maxwell is believed to be still livinj in his pleasant 

s*; ted bv aln,is feL v"""'"'; '^"""^ "^ Ws relatives and^greatlj re- 
and „ef fn ! ° "'""""• '"I'Py '" ^'"' '-efleclions on a very active 

and usefu hie, havnig a competence for all the wants of his declinin.. vears 

the gzyzii cit;.''^^"--^' <" ^'^'y ">^ '--" °' sovirtrs 

h.,d'bv'Il,e';er" 'l""-*^3- *^'"'"'=" "'"' P^''*™' ''t ^""^ consultation 
I1.KI by the tea party m Boston, in 1773 ; was engaged in the Con- 

biothe, at the work and battle of Bunker Hill. A portrait of Mai 
Maxwell, by the arfst Greenwood, was among others in the New 

me! ved Alk T^^TT Vrr'' ^SO, and is probably stiU 
pieeerved. A sketch of the life of his brother Huc^h, and of his 
md,tary expertences, was published some time ago i^^amphj^t 

The above n.arrative is transcribed from an old time-worn manu- 
"T'^JlTer' '^^M.-.Gleason in January, 1833, of which he":;s: 

f. cl.on (he be.ng a relative by marriage) , but furnishing a memorial 
of engagements, y.e.ssitudes and events, so estraordinary, connected 
wth one human ifc, and some among the most importmt in our 

riends with a transcript for pubhcation." But, it is believed tliev 

s" 'r'r'r".";r °^ •^^"=^' "'"-'' *<= -^j- is LLd to'e.. 



cuse, if any are found. 



w. w. w. 



David Clapp & son. Printers, Bor 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




011 528 391 1 



